Last residents at J.C. Beemer Park pack up following fire, protest

The final two remaining residents of a homeless encampment at J.C. Beemer Park packed up their belongings before moving temporarily to a motel Thursday morning.

The park is still surrounded by police tape, after a fire destroyed two tents and the belongings of several people early Thursday morning. The fire, which involved exploding propane tanks, seriously damaged hydro wires that are still being repaired.

After the fire, the remaining residents of the encampment were promptly handed eviction notices by Hamilton bylaw, leading to a protest by housing advocates.

At one point, protesters broke through police tape and there was a confrontation with officers at the scene. Video of the incident showed protesters running at officers, who pushed people back and pushed some to the ground.

A 27-year-old woman was arrested for assaulting a police officer and a 33-year-old man was arrested for obstructing police.

On Wednesday night protesters marched to Hamilton police central station to protest the arrests.

More to come.

Reach The Spectator newsroom at 905-526-3420 or news@thespec.com